His Excellency: George Washington

I started it this morning and have found it to be a decent read thus far. I was a bit apprehensive about delving to presidential history, but so far I've been able to maintain focus.

Right now, I am reading about Washington gearing up to rebel against Britain before the Revolutionary War. It is almost an eerily similar situation to our country's current dependency on foreign commodities. Washington is becoming increasingly self-sufficient and encouraging his countrymen to do so as well. It makes me optimistic that if called to do so, today's citizens will oblige their patriotic duty by buying locally (or at least domestically).

... that's all I've got so far!

Do you intend to read them all in order?

I also chose to start with Ellis. I thought he gave a good and balanced overview of Washington's life, although there are better books if you are interested in the revolution and the conditions which lead up to it.

The obvious next choice is McCullough's John Adams. There are many biographies of Jefferson, I liked Cunningham's In Pursuit of Reason.

I'm planning to read them in order, if possible. I don't plan on buying any books, though, so for me it totally depends on what the library has on hand. I was planning to read McCullough's John Adams next. Feel free to add your books to our shelves!

Oh, my! I am about half way through and I was worried there for awhile. The chapters concerning the actual Revolutionary War were kind of toothy and I felt my dedication waver... but I barreled through and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

Admittedly, I don't know much about the specifics of Washington's life, and I'm hoping by the end of this book, something awesome happens for his slaves...

Something awesome does happen. I won't say anything. I have read that book and find that it is written exceptionally well. John Adams (David McCullough) looks like a very good book. If you are interested in more books about George Washington, you should check out my history shelf.